Facts about Radium

Facts about the Definition of the Element RadiumThe Element Radium is defined as...A rare, brilliant white, luminescent, highly radioactive metallic element found in very small amounts in uranium ores, having 13 isotopes with mass numbers between 213 and 230, of which radium 226 with a half-life of 1,622 years is the most common. It is used in cancer radiotherapy, as a neutron source for some research purposes, and as a constituent of luminescent paints.

Interesting Facts about the Origin and Meaning of the element name RadiumWhat are the origins of the word Radium ?The name originates from the Latin word radius meaning ray.

Facts about the Classification of the Element RadiumRadium is classified as an "Alkaline Earth Metals" which are located in Group 2 elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkaline Earth Metals are found in the Earth’s crust, but not in the elemental form as they are so reactive. Instead, they are widely distributed in rock structures.

Brief Facts about the Discovery and History of the Element RadiumRadium was discovered by Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie in 1898 in pitchblende which was found in Joachimsthal, North Bohemia. The Curies removed uranium from the pitchblend and found that the remaining material was still radioactive. Radium was isolated into its pure metal by Marie and Pierre Curie and Andre Debierne in 1902. Handling of radium has since been blamed for Marie Curie's premature death.

Occurrence of the element Radium in the AtmosphereObtained from uranium oresFound in USA, Canada, New Mexico, Australia and Africa

The element Radium and the Periodic TableFind out more facts about Radium on the Periodic Table which arranges every chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the periodic law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Radium for additional facts and info and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc of Radium with any other element. An invaluable source for more interesting facts and information about the Radium element and as a Chemistry reference guide.

Facts and Info about the element Radium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic TableThe Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 which includes the Radium element. The famous Russian Scientist, Dimitri Mendeleev, perceived the correct classification method of "the periodic table" for the 65 elements which were known in his time. Radium was discovered by Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie in 1898. The Standardised Periodic Table now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri Mendeleev knew in his day but still all fitting into his concept of the "Periodic Table" in which Radium is just one element that can be found.